Police in Finland have shared new information about a newborn's death in Lohja last week. A 19-year-old mother now faces murder allegations.
The infant was born and died in an apartment building on Friday evening, October 17. Both the mother and her partner were present when emergency services arrived. Paramedics attempted to revive the baby but were unsuccessful.
Investigators believe the mother deliberately failed to care for the newborn after birth, leading to the infant's death. The case involves what authorities describe as severe and cruel neglect of a defenseless newborn.
Police clarified that neither parent physically assaulted the baby after birth, despite earlier speculation. The investigation focuses instead on the mother's alleged failure to provide necessary care.
"Based on information gathered during the preliminary investigation, this appears to be serious and cruel neglect targeting a newborn and defenseless baby," said lead investigator Maria Hietajärvi in a police statement.
Authorities are still determining whether the partner is the biological father. They are also investigating if the man in his twenties should face any charges in the case.
Police initially detained the partner at the scene but released him after questioning. Current information doesn't support keeping him in custody, according to officials.
The mother remains in custody since her arrest last Tuesday. The case highlights the extreme vulnerability of newborns and raises difficult questions about parental responsibility and mental health support for young parents.
Lohja, located about 60 kilometers west of Helsinki, is now grappling with this tragic incident that has shocked the local community.